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Title: DEVELOPMENT OF AN INSTRUMENT TO MEASURE DIABETES SELF-EFFICACY IN CHILDREN

Author
item DAVIS, K - DELTA NIRI
item AZRIA-EVANS, M - VIRGINIA DEPT OF EDUCATIO
item BROWN, D - DELTA NIRI
item LOFTON, K - DELTA NIRI

Submitted to: Journal Of The American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/29/2004
Publication Date: 10/5/2004
Citation: Davis, K.A., Azria-Evans, M., Brown, D.M., Lofton, K.L. 2004. Development of an instrument to measure diabetes self-efficacy in children [abstract]. Journal of The American Dietetic Association. 104(8):A-63

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Prevention of diabetes-related complications requires a life-long commitment to healthy behaviors. The purpose of the study was to conduct cognitive testing for content validation of the instrument for measurement of children's self-efficacy concerning diabetes management issues. Questions were adapted from valid instruments retrieved from the diabetes literature. The content of the survey was modified to update terminology and to include language appropriate for children as young as age 7. The 35-question survey was forwarded to a panel of experts, whose recommendations were incorporated into the survey as appropriate. The resulting survey contained a total of twenty-eight questions. The sample included 37 children ages 7-17 attending a summer diabetes camp. Cognitive interviewing techniques were used to assess understanding of individual items. Questions (n=28) were read to the children who then marked their answers, placing an 'X' next to any item that appeared unclear. Retrospective probing methods including prepared and spontaneous probes were used to evaluate understanding of the marked items. Few children reported difficulty understanding the questions. The most frequent suggestion was to specify 'boyfriend/girlfriend' or a classmate in relation to friends. Factor analysis was conducted on the completed surveys, resulting in an overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.86. Further research is needed in order to develop a reliable self-efficacy assessment tool for diabetes management in children. Supported in part by USDA, ARS Project # 6251-53000-003-00D.